Federal Council approves adjustment of customs tariff from 1 January 2022
Bern, 30.06.2021 - The latest revision of the internationally harmonized goods classification of the World Customs Organization (WCO) has made it necessary to adjust the Swiss customs tariff. The Federal Council approved this during its meeting on 30 June 2021. It will enable a more precise and internationally uniform tariff classification for new product categories. The customs duty on imports will remain unchanged.
The Swiss customs tariff is based on the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, which is used worldwide. Among other things, it is required for trade agreements, serves as a list of goods for customs, for international transport and trade statistics. It is updated every five years to keep up with the latest technological developments. The WCO member states are obliged under international law to incorporate these adjustments into their national customs tariffs.
Technological progress means new customs tariff numbers are needed
This revision takes account of technological progress by introducing new, specific customs tariff numbers for hybrid vehicles, drones, 3D printers, new products in the tobacco industry and edible insects, for example. The simplified classification of cell cultures and placebos also takes into consideration two important concerns of the Swiss pharmaceutical industry. In addition, the goods classification (nomenclature) will have new customs tariff numbers for chemical products and electronic waste in order to improve the informative value of the statistics and allow for better monitoring of trade flows. These are mainly substances that are of concern for humans and animals, as well as the environment.
The next revision is scheduled for 2027.
Address for enquiries
Media Section
Federal Customs Administration FCA
Tel. 058 462 67 43, medien@ezv.admin.ch
Publisher
The Federal Council
https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html
Federal Office for Customs and Border Security
https://www.bazg.admin.ch
